9-May-2011Source: Parramatta Advertiser
The first CareFlight base was established in the grounds of Westmead Hospital with only one doctor on duty each day. In 2011, CareFlight celebrates its 25th anniversary with eight bases around Australia and up to 11 doctors rostered on duty each day of the year.... Read more
9-May-2011
1 fatality. Mustering accident, according to Queensland Fire & Rescue. Official report here... Read more
4-May-2011
Clipped powerlines while crop spraying. Pilot has electrical burns to his thighs... Read more
1-May-2011Source: Australian Ministry of Defence
A full diagnostic review of the MRH-90 Multi Role Helicopter Program has now been completed. The review was ordered in February by the Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and the Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare to address delays to the project. It was chaired by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel... Read more
1-May-2011Source: Manly Daily
Redisdes of Belrose have been successful in stopping a helipad being built in their quiet suburb. A Linden Ave resident had sought permission to build a helipad and helicopter hangar on the property for up to seven flights a week.... Read more
25-Apr-2011Source: The West Australian
The spokesman said they were confident that three helicopters would be provided by other law enforcement agencies to supplement the current police helicopter, adding that the new AS365N3 had been ordered in May last year, before the dates were finalised for October’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth.... Read more
24-Apr-2011
R44 ditched into the sea about 40m offshore. The 72-year-old pilot was pulled from the water unhurt. His 70-year-old wife died.... Read more
19-Apr-2011Source: Boeing
Boeing [NYSE: BA] earlier this month reached the milestone of supporting the Australian Army’s 27 Bell 206B-1 Kiowa helicopters for more than 60,000 flight hours. The achievement includes 180 hours of relief efforts following the recent cyclone and flooding in Queensland. Boeing and its heritage companies have supported the Kiowa for 14 years. Since the... Read more
15-Apr-2011
Cattleman, Duane Fishlock died instantly when his Robinson helicopter struck powerlines at the Mataranka sports ground and crashed. The only passenger, 20 year old Sam Webb, survived but was seriously injured.- full story [file photo]... Read more
7-Apr-2011Source: Moorabbin Leader
Kingston Council wants all pilot training at Moorabbin Airport to end by 2030 at the latest if stringent noise measures are not introduced, and helicopter training should end by 2015 altogether.... Read more
2-Apr-2011
The helicopter entered controlled airspace without clearance. When queried by ATC, the pilot reported uncertainty concerning the helicopter’s position due to being VFR on top of unbroken cloud.... Read more
2-Apr-2011
During takeoff, the helicopter struck a powerline... Read more
31-Mar-2011Source: Australian MoD
The Australian Defence Force’s air operations capability has returned to Afghanistan to support International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations for 2011. The Rotary Wing Group recently commenced full operational duties. Commanding Officer of the Rotary Wing Group, Lieutenant Colonel Neil Monaghan, said that this partnership had great impact in terms of strengthening the relationship with... Read more
29-Mar-2011Source: Heliwest
Leading WA-based helicopter company Heliwest has moved into the offshore operations area, securing a contract with Roc Oil (WA) Pty Ltd to provide service and maintenance crew transfers for its Cliff Head project off the (Western Australian) coast from Dongara. Heliwest CEO David Grimes said the contract, previously operated by Bristow, was a major win... Read more
29-Mar-2011Source: Dialy Mail
The authority has asked for unedited footage of the waterskiing stunt shown in Network Ten’s Keeping Up With the Joneses. Mr Jones, who owns the 700sq km Coolibah station on the Victoria River, said he was towing his 15-year-old son Beau. [File photo]... Read more
20-Mar-2011Source: ABC
Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell will mark the final week of the New South Wales’ election campaign later today with a promise to fund more police officers and a a new Ua$16 million counter-terrorism helicopter and 100 additional police vehicles.... Read more
18-Mar-2011Source: ATSB
On 4 February 2011, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Astro helicopter (R44), registered VH‑HFH, was conducting circuit operations at Cessnock Aerodrome, New South Wales. On board the helicopter were an instructor, a pilot undergoing a helicopter flight review and a passenger. Following the completion of a sequence involving the simulated failure of the helicopter’s hydraulic‑boost... Read more
17-Mar-2011
The current government guidelines for priority responding aircraft stipulate that a twin engine helicopter is needed in order for an intensive care paramedic to travel to a medical emergency.... Read more
14-Mar-2011
AGL Action Rescue had been over Moura, en route to Rockhampton, when their aircraft experienced a hydraulics malfunction and they were forced to land at Moura sports oval.  (AGL operates BK117s VH-EHQ/VH-BKV, and Longranger VH-ZOW)... Read more
12-Mar-2011Source: The Australian
Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority is probing complaints claiming he broke a multitude of safety rules during filming of Network Ten’s 15-episode program – including using a helicopter to pull a skier along the water... Read more
10-Mar-2011
Emergency landing on a playing field yesterday after indications of a possible engine fault... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/international-award-for-qld-flood-saviours-20110306-1bja8.html
Helicopter crews who plucked dozens of people from roofs, cars and trees after the “inland tsunami” struck Grantham in southeast Queensland have been recognised with an international “Rescue of the Year” award.... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Northern Star
WESTPAC Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter has been awarded ‘5-stars’ under the Lismore City Council Waste Wise Star Certified Business Program. The program aims to recognise best practice waste management practices established by businesses.... Read more
5-Mar-2011
Warning light came on mid-air while transporting patient from Mudgee Hospital to Lithgow Hospital. Emergency crews were in attendance for its arrival, which passed off without incident. Helicopter checked over and returned to its base at Orange... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: Boeing
Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia and Thales Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding today at the 2011 Australian International Airshow to pursue Project Air 9000 Phase 7 – Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force. The companies will work together to design a fully integrated HATS solution for the Australian... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: Sikorsky
AVALON, VIC., Australia – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Australian aviation searchlight innovator Trakka Corp., to jointly explore manufacturing opportunities in support of H-60 SEAHAWK and BLACK HAWK helicopters. “The MOU marks another step in our commitment to find the most skilled... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and BAE Systems have announced plans to establish a world-leading helicopter transmission test facility in Australia. The facility, better known as a Multi-Purpose Test Bench (MPTB), will be the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is the leading European helicopter OEM and has operated its... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: Quickstep
Australian advanced materials company Quickstep Holdings Limited (ASX:QHL – “Quickstepâ€) has secured a further opportunity for aerospace/defence manufacturing work in Australia, today announcing it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with global helicopter company, Sikorsky International Operations Inc (“Sikorskyâ€), aimed at enabling Quickstep to become a recognised supplier to Sikorsky’s global supply chain. The... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Narooma News
The Westpac Life Saver has completed its first summer on the NSW south coast, finishing its season on Monday night. But word has come through of government funding that will keep rescue chopper 3 in Narooma district skies.... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Australian MoD
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that Defence had signed a contract with BAE Systems to maintain the Army’s fleet of Chinook Helicopters. The $20.9 million contract means that BAE will maintain and support the Chinooks over the next six years. “Chinooks were an important part of the Defence Force’s response to the... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin and Bristow Helicopters Australia, an affiliated company of Bristow Group Inc. , today announced a partnership to offer a complete training solution to the Australian Defence Force for its Project Air 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) requirement. The HATS program will provide a rotary-wing training capability for Royal Australian Navy... Read more
1-Mar-2011Source: CAE
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, CAE, and BAE Systems today announced the formation of an industry team to pursue the AIR 9000 Phase 7 program in Australia. The AIR 9000 Phase 7 program, also called the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS), is intended to provide a rotary wing training capability for the Australian Navy and Army... Read more
27-Feb-2011
Heliflite, Australasia’s longest serving authorised Robinson distributor is pleased to announce that the region’s first R66 Turbine helicopter has received formal CASA certification for first of type. The base yellow with slate grey trim coloured R66 Turbine helicopter is now ready to make its inaugural trip to Avalon Airport to be part of Heliflite’s Australian... Read more
24-Feb-2011Source: Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT] is expanding its base of potential suppliers for the MH-60R helicopter in Australia, issuing a request for information from potential suppliers of critical pieces of aircraft hardware. Under the auspices of a recently signed Global Supply Chain (GSC) Deed, Lockheed Martin will establish long-term partnerships by offering Australian companies new opportunities... Read more
21-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Further to our breaking story last week that two Agusta-Bell 206As had arrived at the Airwork facility at Caboolture, we can report that the toal package now appears to be six helicopters. The following Austrian codes, followed by their Agusta serials, have been reported there now:- 3C-JB (8128), 3C-JC (8130), 3C-JF (8133), 3C-JH (8135), 3C-JJ... Read more
18-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Over three months ahead of contract start date on 1st June, CHC yesterday air freignted the two AW139s it needs for the Woodside Energy contract in an Antonov An124 of Volga-Dnepr Airlines. The pair had been delivered from the factory in Italy to CHC in the UK and then ferried to CHC’s Norwegian base at... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Two Bell AB206 JetRangers were delivered by road to Airwork’s facility at Caboolture Airfield in Australia today. Coded 3C-JF and 3C-JM, these were previously operated by the Austrian Air Force and retired from service in 2009. Austria bought a total of 25 AB206/OH-58s, a first batch of 13 AB206A models, followed later by 12 OH-58Bs. ... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: CAE
CAE Australia today announced that a major upgrade to the Australian Army’s S-70A Black Hawk full-flight and mission simulator (FFMS) has been completed on-schedule and recently entered service for the Australian Army. CAE Australia, prime contractor under the Management and Support of the Australian Defence Force’s Aerospace Simulators (MSAAS) contract, upgraded the S-70A Black Hawk... Read more
15-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Following the company’s success at winning the Woodside Energy contract from Bristows, AUstralia’s largest commercial operator is moving its local office from Adelaide to Perth. CHC will be flying four Eurocopter EC225 and two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters on the contract, based out of Karratha in Western Australia – nearly 1,000 miles north of Perth. The... Read more
14-Feb-2011Source: Australian DoD
After a successful six months serving with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), the men and women of Timor Leste Aviation Group – rotation 14 (TLAG 14) have returned home to Australia. The troops and their Black Hawk helicopters have been replaced by TLAG 15. Whilst assigned to the ISF, the S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopters made... Read more
12-Feb-2011Source: Bankstown Airport
Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown today announced the implementation of changes to circuit training times for fixed wing aircraft. “Our noise abatement procedures will change from 7 March 2011, bringing forward the finishing time for circuits from 11pm to 10pm Monday to Friday. During the daylight saving period the finishing time has been reduced from 11pm to... Read more
11-Feb-2011Source: Magpas
Cambridgeshire-based emergency medical charity Magpas has agreed an historic partnership with Careflight – an air ambulance and international retrieval charity based in New South Wales, Australia. Although only 25 years old, Careflight is now a 50 million dollar-a-year service which operates 3 helicopters, 4 fixed wing King Air turbo prop aircraft and 4 medical jets... Read more
4-Feb-2011
R44 burst into flames on impact. Student pilot was taken to hospital in a critical condition with serious burns. Instructor Ivor Durham, owner and director of Newcastle Helicopters, died along with 21-year old Sam Bateman.... Read more
3-Feb-2011Source: Australian MoD
Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that HMAS Manoora would be decommissioned and that Defence would develop a new comprehensive plan to transition to the new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Ships. HMAS Manoora: HMAS Manoora will be decommissioned on the advice of Chief of Navy. The Manoora... Read more
3-Feb-2011Source: DSCA
Past suggestions that the MH-60R is more likely to win the Australian Navy tender were given a boost by the publication of this possible Foreign Military Sale notification by DSCA:- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Feb. 1 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of a 10-year Through-Life-Support (TLS) for 24 MH-60R... Read more
2-Feb-2011Source: Sydney Morning Herald
New army and navy helicopters are running up to 18 months late and could end up on the government’s shame file of dud projects. Defence will now conduct a review of the $4 billion program to buy 46 European MRH-90 helicopters.... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: Aviation Business
Operations to be covered by the proposed rules include the towing of objects, carrying sling loads, discharging objects or materials, SAR, EMS, police and fire fighting flights. The proposed new rules will also cover operations that require the carriage of task specialists on board helicopters. Task specialists are defined as people who have an assigned... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: Northern District Times
Macquarie University will consider installing a helipad for its new state-of-the-art hospital in the wake of recent emergency helicopter transfers of patients from emergency departments of other hospitals.... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
French manufacturer Helicopteres Guimbal is preparing to deliver the first Cabri G2 into the Australian market. Bankstown-based HTT (Helicopter Transport and Training) has two on order following the November 2010 type approval by CASA (see certificate here). We await with interest how the Cabri performs for this operator, who is well versed in flying the... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Moonee Valley Leader
The technology was introduced to the Air Wing in August last year and has already helped 14 police pilots acquire extensive training. Constable Steven Potter said pilots were required to undergo a three-hour training session every 28 days.... Read more
26-Jan-2011
Pilot used the helicopter’s flotation device and all four stayed on board until they were saved about one hour later.... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: The Mercury
Project manager Wolfgang Rechberger said a value-management study was still being carried out to ensure the AW139 announced by Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne was the most appropriate for the job or whether a smaller, cheaper model would be suitable.... Read more
17-Jan-2011Source: Kaman
QUEENSLAND, Australia, January 17, 2011 – A Kaman K-MAX® Aerial Truck flown by Skywork Helicopters, a leading provider of helicopter services in New Zealand and Australia, recently lifted six sections of a 120-ft electrical power transmission tower perfectly into place, enabling construction workers to bolt the sections together and complete the entire tower assembly in... Read more
13-Jan-2011Source: Heliflite
Heliflite, Australasia’s longest serving authorised Robinson distributor has released the first official photos of the region’s first R66 Turbine helicopter taken in final completion at the Robinson factory. The base yellow with slate grey trim coloured R66 Turbine helicopter is ready for shipping to Australia and Heliflite looks forward to having it available as a... Read more
13-Jan-2011Source: Australian Aerospace
13 January 2011: Queensand Flood Information 5.30am All Australian Aerospace Brisbane sites are open and operating as usual today for both Production and office-based staff. The immediate roads around Pandanus Ave and Brownlee St are clear of water. Please drive safely in South-East Queensland and do not drive through flood waters. Visit 131940.qld.gov.au for up-to-date... Read more
12-Jan-2011Source: Australian Aerospace
12 January 2011: Queensland Flood Information 1.30pm Australian Aerospace staff and visitors are advised to leave Pandanus Avenue and Brownlee Street now. Brisbane Airport Corporation advises that the Brisbane River is expected to peak at 2.35pm today with water potentially crossing low lying parts of Pandanus Ave and Main Myrtletown Road. Brisbane Airport Corporation is... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: Torres News
The 620-square metre aeromedical helipad, ringed with two-metre safety nets, will be used by Australian Helicopters’ quick response teams to transport patients to the Thursday Island Hospital through its medical and SAR operations.... Read more
3-Jan-2011
30 minute tour flight with three Chinese passengers – The 34-year-old-pilot, a 40-year-old man, and two women, aged 36 and 46, were taken to Cairns Base Hospital.... Read more
30-Dec-2010
Low level accident. R22 ended up on its starboard side. 1 POB not seriously injured... Read more
23-Dec-2010
Applicant Steven Troon, from H.Troon Properties, said he had been approached by an operator, Aquila Helicopters, to build the $150,000 heliport and hangar.... Read more
21-Dec-2010Source: Sikorsky
SHELTON, Conn., – Sikorsky Helitech, a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, today announced the merger of several support agreements that will provide deeper component and accessories maintenance for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Kiowa aircraft fleet. The $7.5 million contract represents a consolidation of services that were previously administered as separate... Read more
20-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
We reported on 19th November that CHC had won the Woodside Energy contract in Australia from long-term incumbent Bristow Helicopters. CHC will commence flying this contract in June 2011, operating four EC225 aircraft and two AW139 aircraft based out of Karratha in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The two AgustaWestland AW139s have been delivered... Read more
20-Dec-2010Source: ABC
Planning Minister Matthew Guy says the Government has amended the Glenelg Shire planning scheme to allow the plans to go ahead.... Read more
17-Dec-2010Source: Australian Helicopters
Australians in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula will now have access to better and safer emergency medical helicopter services after the construction of a brand new $4.6 million helipad by Queensland Health for the Thursday Island Hospital. The 620-square metre aeromedical helipad, ringed with two-metre safety nets, will be used by Australian Helicopters’ quick... Read more
17-Dec-2010Source: Townsville Helicopters
Townsville Helicopters is proud to announce the opening of the first helicopter pilot training school in Townsville. The school has full CASA approval, therefore we do not have to operate under another company’s banner. We are a local company and committed to providing North Queensland with a quality training facility. The school will operate the R22... Read more
15-Dec-2010
Australian Strategic Policy Institute analyst Andrew Davies has suggested that the MH-60R is more likely to be chosen than the NH90. Interestingly the Austrlian miltary already operate both types, so there is all to play for... Read more
13-Dec-2010
During the cruise, the engine failed. The pilot conducted a forced landing. The passenger received serious injuries and the helicopter was seriously damaged.... Read more
6-Dec-2010
The issue of a lack of standardised procedures was highlighted in the investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau of a midair collision between a AS350B and a BK117... Read more
3-Dec-2010Source: ABC
The Australian Defence Force says it will consider repairing the Baragoola. The Defence Department has confirmed it was conducting domestic counter-terrorism exercises in the area at the time. It says any damage claims will be assessed by the Defence Insurance Office... Read more
3-Dec-2010Source: Mosman Daily
One helicopter was used to drop bags of material for an upgrade to a small part of the Taylors Bay lookout track.... Read more
2-Dec-2010Source: Helibiz
Helibiz’s first new R66 is scheduled to arrive in early February, Helibiz senior base engineer and grade 1 instructor Peter Thompson was the 1st in Australia to be endorsed on the R66. Peter spent a few days at the Robinson factory flying the R66 all around Los Angeles. “I was amazed at the power, speed... Read more
29-Nov-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Yesterday, the Tourism and Transport Forum released a document called “HarbourView”, and representing their vision for revitalising Sydney as Australia’s international gateway and premier tourism destination. Their vision includes the following statement “Since the late 80s, Sydney has been one of the few global cities without a helicopter service. A Harbour Chopper service will provide... Read more
26-Nov-2010Source: ABC
The Premier, Kristina Keneally, has announced $500,000 for the region’s rescue helicopter. Ms Keneally made the announcement at the official opening of the new $2.3-million headquarters for the service at Tamworth Airport.... Read more
26-Nov-2010Source: Warrnambool Standard
A helicopter pilot who landed near Port Campbell faces a fine of more than $35,000 for satisfying his caffeine cravings.... Read more
26-Nov-2010Source: Cootamundra Herald
Cootamundra will be home to one of the biggest firefighting helicopters in regional NSW this summer, with the arrival of a Bell 212 aircraft to be operated by Canadian operator Valhalla Helicopters.... Read more
